Asbestos in Vinyl Wallpaper
If you're concerned that vinyl wallpaper containing asbestos could cause asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, then keep reading.
Durable and easy to hang, vinyl wallpaper has been a popular wall covering for decades. Although vinyl wallpaper manufactured today does not contain asbestos, prior to the 1980s it was very likely to contain the toxic substance, putting anyone who manufactured or handled it at risk for a number of serious asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma. This included the many do-it-yourselfers who could have inhaled deadly asbestos fibers while cutting, hanging, or removing asbestos vinyl wallpaper. Remodelers are not the only ones at risk for developing mesothelioma. Individuals who manufactured the paper may also have inhaled asbestos. Once inhaled, spear-like asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs, abdomen or in rare cases, the heart. Over many decades the scarring that results from these embedded fibers can lead to painful and deadly diseases such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
As with all construction or home remodeling projects, if you suspect that a material is made from asbestos, have it tested professionally prior to any demolition. Although vinyl wallpaper containing asbestos are generally not hazardous if it remains intact, the material can be dangerous if it is damaged or disturbed in a way that releases the asbestos fibers into the air.
Mesothelioma attorneys may be able to help you
Because of the willful negligence of the asbestos industry and their failure to warn their workers and the public of the dangers of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma law has developed as a way to help mesothelioma victims receive compensation. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease from workplace or home exposure to asbestos, contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. Mesothelioma attorneys have helped thousands of mesothelioma patients win compensation for lost wages and medical costs.